0

14 essential things you need for your next hunting trip

Back in the old days a hunting trip required little more than a gun, ammunition and enough food to get you by for at least a few days. Today, we’re used to a lot more creature comforts, many of which can make the trip much more enjoyable. Especially if you don’t bag anything.

It’s happened to all of us at least once. We get out to the campsite miles from civilization only to realize we’ve left something essential behind. Well, not anymore. This packing list covers all the necessities and a few extras to bring along with your tent to make your stay in Mother Nature that much more enjoyable.

 

1. A Solid Day Pack

First and foremost, you’re going to need a way to carry all of your equipment and necessities. Lander timp bags are one of the best options I’ve found to date. These guys have definitely spent time roughing it outdoors. The bags are super durable and weather-resistant, but take comfort into mind with features like padded shoulders and breathable, mesh backing. There are also tons of pockets for all your small odds and ends as well as ways to attach accessories.

 

2. Water

If there’s only one thing you bring with you on a hunting trip besides your gun and ammo it should be water, whether it’s spring turkey hunting or opening day of deer season in the fall

One tool to consider investing in is the Life Straw. It can turn contaminated water into something you can drink by simply sucking through the filtered straw. Water purification tablets are another option for getting clean water in a pinch.

 

3. Weapons and Ammunition

It wouldn’t be a hunting trip without a way to hunt game. Your weapon of choice, ammunition and carrying cases should be at the top of the packing list.

 

4. First Aid Kit

You never know what could happen out in the wild. It’s always best to be prepared with a first aid kit. Any good kit will include:

• Disinfectant
• Bandages
• Pain killers
• Antiseptic wipes
• Non-latex gloves
• Gauze
• Scissors
• Tweezers

 

5. Food

Sure, you could technically go a few days without food if you had to, but that isn’t ideal. The less you have to cook the better. Pack up a few sandwiches before you head out for an easy lunch during the day. Meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) are another dinner option that’s used by military members out in the field. Trail mix and energy bars are also easy snacks that will keep you fueled up.

Take the time to plan your meals out and you can avoid having to bring cooking tools and utensils. BUT – don’t forget to bring along a huge cooler packed with ice.

 

6. Toilet Paper and Paper Towels

This one needs little explaining. Even though we use it on a daily basis I’ve forgotten toilet paper once before and that was enough to make me remember it on future trips. Paper towels are less of a necessity, but a roll can come in handy.

 

7. Bug Spray

Sitting up in a tree stand or hunkered away in a blind the whole point is to not give your position away. Insects bugging you every five seconds is going to be an annoying distraction that can keep you from getting a good shot.

 

8. Game and Trash Bags

One of the quickest ways to lose the game you just shot is to leave it out for the wild animals. Game bags are an easy option for keeping bugs, dirt and other creatures away from your kill. Trash bags are also a necessity since garbage attracts animals.

 

9. Survival Supplies

• Knife
• Multitool
• Compass
• Maps
• Bright tape for marking trails
• Waterproof matches
• Rain gear
• Binoculars
• Rope

 

10. Sleeping Supplies

A good night’s rest is important for staying alert while hunting. Really all you need is a good sleeping bag to get the job done. A few other things to include if you have room are a small pillow and fold out cot.

 

11. Fire Supplies

Fire is essential for warmth and cooking. In most cases you can gather tinder at your campsite, but that isn’t a given. And if it’s rained recently there’s a good chance you won’t be able to get anything lit. That’s why it’s always a good idea to bring your own tinder along with lighter fluid and a lighter.

 

12. Flashlight, Lantern, Batteries

Forget about the convenience of flipping a switch to get illumination. A nice campfire will keep the site lit fairly well, but inside tents and walking the trails after dark you’ll need a flashlight. A lantern is also good for lighting up your tent.

 

13. Cell Phone and Backup Power

You aren’t going to be making a lot of calls, but in the event there’s an emergency a cell phone can be a lifesaver – literally. You’ll also need to bring a charger or backup battery along just in case.

 

14. Canine Supplies

If you plan to bring your dog for hunting purposes or companionship, you’ll need to add a few more things to the packing list. Chief among them is water rations and a water bowl. Even though they’ll be roaming free most of the time a leash is also a necessity. The only other thing your dog really needs is enough food to get by during the excursion.

 

What to Leave at Home

Some people pack for a 2-day camping trip as if they are planning to move out to the campsite. Other than the essentials listed above, not much else is needed for a short hunting trip. Things you can leave at home include:

• Laptops
• Air mattresses
• Cameras (if you have a camera built into your cell phone)
• Tons of clothes – all you really need is a warm jacket, one change of clothes and a few pairs of socks.

There you have it – you essential hunting trip packing list. Now there’s no more worrying that you left a necessity behind.

 

Comments

comments